Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month period of alcohol and drug detection. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panel tests, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal situations. Samples showing presumptive positives require further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drug compounds are drawn out of hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," this test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sunnymead, CA
In Sunnymead, hair follicle testing eclipses traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis boasts a longer detection window and is harder to tamper with, making it an exceptional choice for robust drug testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Sunnymead, CA
Hair follicle testing in Sunnymead extends drug detection to up to 90 days. This gives employers detailed insights into an individual’s substance use history, surpassing the capabilities of other methods, which typically have shorter detection periods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sunnymead, CA
In Sunnymead, hair testing significantly reduces the chance of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair follicle tests provide results that are difficult to falsify, ensuring that the outcomes remain trustworthy and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sunnymead, CA
Our presence in Sunnymead, along with national coverage, means accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient, quick, and hassle-free. This network ensures everyone can undergo testing with minimal disruption to their day.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sunnymead, CA
Order, test, and receive results seamlessly with our confidential process in Sunnymead. This simple approach ensures privacy is respected and makes the testing experience straightforward and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sunnymead, CA
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Sunnymead, our testing services provide excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on speed or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sunnymead, CA
Sunnymead's hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision, providing reliable results quickly and with high accuracy. This ensures that substance use is detected effectively, offering peace of mind for those requiring rapid and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sunnymead, CA
By employing hair follicle testing, employers in Sunnymead can ensure compliance with drug-free policies and reduce legal risks, enhancing workplace safety and providing peace of mind with regard to employee substance use.
